In season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, a kiss shared between Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) and Elrond (Robert Aramayo) in the penultimate episode sparked significant debate among viewers. In response, Clark and showrunners Patrick McKay and JD Payne clarified that the kiss was intended to be platonic, symbolizing respect and loyalty rather than romance. They explained that elves in the series express affection differently, likening it to a “slightly more European” approach.
This clarification underscores that a romantic relationship between Galadriel and Elrond would diverge from J.R.R. Tolkien’s original lore. In Tolkien’s writings, Galadriel is married to Celeborn, while Elrond weds Galadriel’s daughter, Arwen, making any romantic angle between the two characters a significant departure.
While the explanation offers some reassurance to fans concerned about the show’s adherence to Tolkien’s work, the kiss remains a controversial creative decision. The show’s creators should have anticipated potential misinterpretations, given the scrutiny of Tolkien enthusiasts. As the series progresses, it’s crucial to avoid similar moments that may require post-release clarification.
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